Every several years, the Council on Postsecondary Education publishes what we call the High School Feedback Report, which summarizes the college readiness of our high school graduates. Studies show that improved college readiness leads to improved student success, job opportunities and overall quality of life.

After living in California my entire life, the move to attend school in Campbellsville felt like moving to another world. After my first year in Taylor County, I thought I knew what this small town was all about. After this past semester working as an intern at the News-Journal, I learned more about this tight-knit community than I ever thought I would. I realize now that this small town is like a big family.

With the dawn of a new year come an array of emotions, hopes, fears and much anticipation. We commonly hear a flurry of comments about New Year's resolutions. We read the various resolutions set by certain individuals for the New Year, we hear radio and newscasts telling us about New Year's resolutions and for about 10 days to two weeks around Jan. 1 we are constantly coming in contact with resolutions of all types for the New Year.

The message of this year's midterm election was clear: Voters want those of us in government, Republican and Democrat, to focus on restoring jobs and reviving the economy. It's that simple.

So I was pleased to meet with President Obama in the White House this past week, along with the other leaders of both parties from the House of Representatives and Senate, to talk about what Washington must do to address these vital tasks and get America moving forward again.